PMO was alerted about Nirav Modi's fraud in 2016: Congress

NEW DELHI: In a scathing attack, the Congress on Thursday said that the Prime Minister’s Office was informed about the alleged fraud being perpetuated by billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi in July 2016, but failed to act in the matter.

“Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was made aware of this entire fraud by one Shri Hari Prasad by way of a written complaint filed on 26th July, 2016 and acknowledged by PMO,” said party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, adding that “no action was taken” and the “bank lost the money and the accused escaped.”

He also alleged that PM Modi was aware of 42 FIRs pending against the absconding.

Surjewala blamed the authorities, including the finance ministry, for “sleeping on their job.”

“Loot and escape”, he said, had become the “hallmark” of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre.

He claimed that the “whole system was bypassed,” and demanded to know “who is protecting Nirav Modi.” He hinted at…